Banbridge and J J Slevin (right) beat Captain Guinness (left)© Photo Healy Racing
The William Hill Champion Chase produced a finish worthy of the feature race on day one at Punchestown as Banbridge flew home in the closing stages to grab a last gasp victory. Captain Guinness looked set to double up on his Champion Chase win at Cheltenham when sweeping to the front turning for home in the two-miler.
He was strongly pressed by 11/10 favourite Dinoblue over the final fence in the 300,000 euro contest and after holding off that rival was trumped in the shadow of the post by Banbridge.
JJ Slevin had been rowing along in fifth place on the Joseph O'Brien-trained gelding turning for home but he really started to motor from the back of the last.
The 6/1 shot, owned by Ronnie Bartlett, ate up the ground late on as he prevailed in the dying strides for a neck success.
“It was a fantastic race, a great two-mile chase, and a fantastic ride from JJ. I'm delighted for Ronnie and everyone to have a big winner here in Punchestown,” said O'Brien.
“It wasn't our day in Cheltenham but delighted to win a big race here today.
“He's been a fantastic horse and Ronnie's patience through the Autumn when the ground wasn't right for us was really what won the race for us today. We were ready to run and had to wait.
“Ronnie said to wait and when the ground comes right we'd have him for the big day.
“Today we had a fresh horse, it's only his third run of the season. I'm so delighted to win a big one with him, for the horse as well as Ronnie and all connections.
“It was fantastic ride form JJ, he saved it all for when he needed it at the back of the last.
“I wasn't sure when he crossed the line but as Ronnie said he was in front where he needed to be.
“We know what conditions the horse performs on and the form-book is pretty obvious when you look at all his runs.
“On better ground his runs are all very good and when it gets softer, for whatever reason, he doesn't performer as well.
“We took the chance at Cheltenham because it's Cheltenham but it didn't work out. We freshened him up to come here and I'm delighted to win a big race with him.”
Ronnie Bartlett added:- “He's a great horse, it was a great race and he was trained to perfection. It's going to be a quiet night tonight, early to bed!
“Two or three out you were thinking he'd maybe be placed but he showed some turn of foot over the last.
“To win by a head, it's disappointing for the other horse, but it's good for the winner.”
